SOJOURNS IN TIME

                                                               by Atonia

Chapter 10

Philly flew home for Thanksgiving. After the initial greetings and hugs were exchanged the questions started coming. Over a cup of spiced tea at the kitchen table she broke down and sobbed.

He father immediately began damning John for deserting her.

"He didn’t desert me."

"Where is he? Why won’t you talk about him? The last time I spoke with him he was going to marry you. What happened, Phillipa?"

"It’s all right, dear, you can tell us." Her mother reached for her hand.

"I wish I could."

"What’s the problem?"

"It’s…something so fantastic you won’t believe it."

"Try us, Phillipa, we love you and if there is any way we can help your father and I are here for you."

She hesitated and then told them the whole story. "And now he’s stuck in 1911 and the machine can’t be fixed. I…I don’t know how I’m going to live without him."

Her parents were dumbstruck. And then it all came pouring out:

"Have that Artie arrested…"

"He’s an alien, Phillipa!"

"I knew there was something strange about that man."

"Should never have let you go off to New York."

"Whatever possessed you to…"

Philly quietly left the table and went to her room. It would all soon boil down and maybe she would be able to talk with them.

It was her mother who came to her later. "I know this is a great loss to you but it’s been quite an experience. I’m sure in time you’ll meet someone else."

"No, Mama, John is my someone and there is no one else. He is my destiny and whatever it takes we will be together again."

"Well, I hope he can find a way to come back to you."

"The thing is, Mama, I can go to him. I know a way. It would mean leaving this world, this time and I couldn’t return. It would mean leaving you and Daddy. He let me leave once because he knew I had strong ties here. He gave up everything for me."

"You can’t be thinking…oh, Phillipa…no, no, dear."

"I am thinking. I’ve been there and it’s not so bad. I’m not crazy about the fashions but everything else is doable."

"Your father won’t allow it…I won’t allow it."

"I know how you feel and I understand it but you can’t stop me. I know you want me to be happy. John is my happy."

Thanksgiving dinner was a charade. Everyone acting out their parts. It was later in the evening when her father finally sat her down and talked to her. He and her mother were totally against her trying to go back in time. He brought up the dangers and it all came down to the fact that they didn’t want to lose her. She was their daughter, their only child.

"You’re the only parents I have too. As much as I love you and Mama I know I’m going to lose you one day. You won’t live forever. I could stay here and make you happy.　 But I have to ask is that what you want of me?　 I’m not that little child anymore. I’m a woman with a woman’s love for a man. If our situations were reversed and it was Mama that somehow got sent back to 1911 would you stay here to make me happy or would you go to her? It’s not an easy decision but I know what I have to do."

Once she’d made her decision and her parents knew there was nothing they could do then every moment became precious. They took many pictures of her and she took some of them and printed them out on her father’s computer. Before she left Atlanta she called Artie and talked to him for a long time. He intended to come back to New York and close his apartment and drive his vehicle back to Detroit. Philly said she was going to do the same and ship her paintings to Atlanta. No disappearing this time. She intended to do it right.

John gave the museum the benefit of his gifts. He was able to examine objects and explain their use and origin. For this he was paid handsomely. However his burning desire was to repair the time machine and although he’d handled the optic in question and knew it’s use and its make up the Professor was unable to duplicate it with his resources.

"There is a man who may be able to help you. His name is Nikola Tesla. I shall put you in touch with him."

After some negotiations John was granted an interview. Tesla was then living at the Waldorf Astoria and allowed him 15 minutes of his time.

Without giving him a history of his own travels John simply unwrapped the optic in question and lay it on the table between them. "I want to know if you can replicate this optic."

Tesla cast an eye on it.

"It is part of a time traveling machine that I must have."

"You must have." He then looked at it, handling it carefully. "Paradoxes…quantum reality, causality paradoxes. The grandfather paradox. What is it you wish to do, go back and kill your grandfather and thus eliminate your life?"

"No, I wish to travel to 2011."

"Ha! I never got involved with these machines. I do believe it is possible…nothing is impossible."

"Can you do it?"

"I once produced a machine that could receive signals from our sister planets. No one believed me. They think I’m mad. There is a fine line between genius and madness and I know on which side of that line I reside. This is…nothing. Of course I can build it. How much are you willing to pay?"

"Whatever it takes."

"Then we have a deal." He shook hands with John. "I will contact you at the Metro Museum when it is finished."

Tesla was his last hope and he was uneasy about the man. Genius, yes, but would he build it in a timely manner? Time was passing by. He’d been over a month stranded in 1911. He’d declined the offer to stay with the Professor and the Professor secured rooms for him in a hotel.　 He might have enjoyed the Professor’s company but he was of a single minded purpose and thus not inclined to talk. But he did talk during the days at the museum. The Professor was intrigued by him and particularly his history which he did not like to discuss. While he sympathized with John he secretly hoped he would stay. One day when the museum was closed he took him on a cruise up the Hudson River. Beautiful country John agreed.

"There’s a painters colony up here now, up there in that strange looking house with the round turrets. It’s the latest thing, I suppose. Some of the work is quite good."

The more the landscape opened up as they cruised upriver, the more John was convinced that Philly had been in this area. She had a painting of her own. A pain went though his heart to think she may have been on this very river. "What’s that house over there?"

"Hmm, I don’t know it, John. There are mansions all up and down the river. Folks like the Vanderbilt’s, Astors, and their ilk are building all over here. Billionaires, mind you."

The white house reminded him of his marble castle. The lonely days he’d spent walking through the empty rooms. "How much to purchase such a house?"

"Ha, ha, more than you have, I’m afraid. Hundreds of thousands. Besides, you’d better be saving your money for Tesla. You said you’d pay him what it takes. You do realize he’s penniless don’t you?"

Frustrated again, John walked away to the other end of the boat. He thought of the gold he’d left with Philly. Some they’d exchanged but still it was a good sum. He no longer wanted to look at houses or scenery.

Philly was back in New York. She packed up her paintings except for one that Artie wanted and sent them to Atlanta. She began purging her apartment. She also worked hard to finish the last restoration she would ever do for the museum.

Artie was also back in New York. He was allowed to clear out his personal things from his workshop.

"What will they say when someone uncovers that time machine?" Philly asked.

"You know, I don’t care. I didn’t build that one. It’s their problem."

"I’m going to miss you, Artie, but just knowing you’ll be with your family again…with people that care about you."

"Yeah, I didn’t know how many nieces and nephews I had. It’ll be good, Philly. I want to stay long enough to see you off though. Once I know you’re with John then I’ll be on the road."

"Is that everything? How about your poster for St. Croix?"

Artie chuckled. "Yeah, St. Croix. Funny how he picked up that name. I wonder who he really is?"

"You’d be surprised."

"I ain’t surprised at nothing anymore. Yeah, this is all I want from here. What do you say we go have a pizza to celebrate my unemployment?"

"Sounds good to me but I’m picking up the tab."

They walked through the slushy sidewalks to their favorite pizza parlor. Snow was still on the ground and more predicted.

"You’re gonna miss this you know," Artie said as he opened the door for her. "No pizza joints in 1911."

"I’m sure there will be many things I’ll miss but the most important thing will be there and I can deal with the rest."

"You know, when I thought I was stuck there I got to thinking about it. Sure I could live out my life there but 1911 ain’t 2011. Folks like me ain’t treated the same. Folks like me was shining shoes and waitin’ tables, street cleaning after the horses. I wasn’t planning on getting sick but I’m glad I’m back. I’m just sorry it happened the way it did."

Philly looked off through the fogged window at the blurred street lights. "There’s a war about to happen too. World War 1. All that to go through and the Titanic will sink." She shivered a moment. "I could probably get a job as a seer or something."

"I doubt if you’d get a job at all. Only the poor folks working in the sweat shops. John wouldn’t let you do anything like that. The Professor showed me where a shirtwaist factory caught fire. Lotta people killed. And for God’s sake, Philly, you can’t get sick cause they ain’t got nothing. You’d better think this real good."

"I have thought it. I know the risks but people lived. They didn’t all die out from poor medical care or fires or other disasters. We’ll go somewhere safe. I know about cleanliness and about food preparation. We’ll be okay, Artie."

Later they left the café and Artie offered to drive her home. "No, Artie, that’s way out of your way. I’ll take a bus. Look, the Christmas lights."

"Yeah, nothing like New York at Christmas. Well, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Oh, when is it you’re going to, um, make your trip?"

"I think at the end of the week. I’ve still got some things to do here. Night, Artie."

What did she have to do? Not much. She’d already paid off the rest of her monthly lease. The only thing left in her apartment was the furniture that came with it. Her bed.

As she walked along by the park she could see the lights over the skating pond. The smell of roasting chestnuts in the crisp air. Why wait? It would only get worse. She blinked away her tears and ran for the bus stop.

He’d been forced to purchase a few items of clothing. One being the fur lined woolen coat he wrapped around him to keep out the bitter cold. There were no snowplows to clear the streets. His boots made crunching sounds as he stepped through the frozen crust. As usual he headed for the park. The pond was frozen and a few skaters were out. Bonfires around the pond and something that smelled good.

"Hot roasted chestnuts, get yer hot roasted chestnuts."

He would like to have tried them but refused to part with the pennies. The Professor’s warning about Tesla worried him. He’d been foolish to make such a deal with the man. A price should have been agreed upon. He was becoming desperate and desperation could very easily cause him to make mistakes. He continued his walk and left the park. Soon he was aware of other footsteps near him.

"Good evening, Sir."

"Good evening." The man meant no harm and John relaxed.

"It’s a cold night to be walking."

"Yes it is cold."

"Ah, listen…the voices of angels. We’ve a fine choir."

John heard them singing inside a building. "What is this structure?" He asked.

"Why it’s a church. Won’t you come in?"

"A church…your God’s house."

"Yes, but what a strange way of putting it. Come inside out of the cold and hear the choir practicing."

John followed him inside. He stopped and looked at the soaring ceiling and the stained glass windows. It was a place of worship but he did not know what god was worshiped here. He sat down and studied the windows made of colored glass. He listened to the words of the songs. This was something new, something he did not know.　 He thought he might ask the Professor about this god and about his powers.　 Before long the man was back and John noticed his long robes.

"Are you the god of this house?"

He chuckled, "No I am no god, young man. I am but his messenger. I am Father Bennett. You are troubled, I believe?"

"Yes, I am troubled. If you are His messenger then might you take a message to him for me? I, Aeneas, am displaced. I would ask His help in returning home, home to my Philly Dawson."

In two days Philly was ready. She called Artie and he came to pick her up. She’d found clothing to wear that would be less conspicuous than her jeans and leather jacket. Around her waist she had John’s belt of gold underneath her coat and white blouse. She’d added some photos.

"I couldn’t see waiting any longer. Have you called Ralph?"

"I called him but he’s not answering his phone. You know how he is."

"He’s a strange fellow that’s for sure."

They drove out of the city towards Ralph’s secret hideaway. As Artie drove up the winding drive he slowed. "Uh oh, he’s got company."

The yard was full of large black SUV’s.

"What’s going on, Artie?"

At that moment Ralph came out in handcuffs accompanied by two large men in black. He spied Artie’s car. "You led them right to me, well, it won’t do you any good. I’ve destroyed it. There’s nothing here."

"Oh, shit, we better get out of here." Artie turned his vehicle around and sped back down the drive.

"Artie!" Philly cried.

"Sorry, Philly, looks like Ralph is outta business."

Philly was stunned.

"You know, old Ralph was using some technology he stole from some MIT scientists. It was destined for NASA. It was just a matter of time, I guess."

"What am I going to do?"

"Where do you want to go, Philly?"

"To the museum."

John entered Tesla’s rooms warily. The man was waiting for him pacing back and forth. "I said I could do it and I have. Now then."

"Where are the optics?"

"There on the table. A better rendition than what you came in with."

"How will I know if they work?"

"I said they work. I would not lie to you. How much money have you brought?"

"$378.00."

"Ha, ha, you must be joking.　 Double that and they are yours."

"I cannot double the amount and they are mine regardless."

"You are mistaken. They are mine until they are paid for. You insult me, Mr. St. Croix."

"It is all the money I have. You will accept it as payment and hand over the optics." John moved up into Tesla’s space.

"You would threaten me?"

"Yes."

Tesla became momentarily confused. His was a strong mind but John’s was stronger. He didn’t often use his powers on his fellow mortals but he was prepared to do what was necessary to obtain the optics. He took the money from his coat and lay it on the table. While Tesla was still standing trancelike he picked up the optics and left.

The museum was in the midst of tours and school children were everywhere. Being familiar with the different passages in the old part of the museum, Artie and Philly made their way down to the vaults unnoticed by security. Neither of them were still employed there.

"Philly, I don’t know nothing about this machine. You know? I knew the one I built but this is…I don’t know if I can…what if you end up somewhere else?"

"You have to try."

Artie unwrapped the time machine and shook his head slightly. There was a basic truth to all of them and so he set the time wheel to December 15, 1911. "There ain’t a key. I don’t know how to start it up."

Philly sat down in the seat of the machine. "Dials and gauges.　 Oh, Artie, please."

Artie scratched his head and began moving the gauges ever so slightly.

The machine roared and the Professor stepped back. "Good luck, John. I shall miss you."

John nodded his head.

"It’s making a noise, Artie." Philly sat forward a little.

The air seemed to be sucked out of the room and a tremendous pop caused them to cover their ears.

"Oh my God!" Philly was struggling out of the machine as John unbuckled his seat and climbed out of his.

Artie was thrown back against the workbench by the force. He stood in amazement.

"I…I was coming to you." Philly was in his arms holding on tight.

"No, no, it was I, it was my place to find you again, Philly." John kissed her hair her face and held her close."

"Well…dayum!" Artie exclaimed. He was all smiles now and relieved he didn’t have to fool with the time machine again. "We’d better get out of here before somebody comes to investigate."

"Yes, let us go. I long to see the world with Philly again."

Out on the sidewalk they said goodbye to Artie who was heading for Detroit. John and Philly crossed over to the park happy to be in each other’s company again.

"I have to tell you, John, we don’t have a place to live. I’ve gotten rid of everything I had except for the belt I’m wearing."

"That is the least of my concerns. We will find a place to live. No more time travel for us."

"No…never again. I’m so happy, John. There were times I thought I’d never see you again."

"It was the same for me but I knew there would be a way. There had to be." He took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. "I know what it is to love you and I could not live without it."

It was snowing again and arm and arm they walked through the park. Later Philly would stop the transfer of funds to her parent’s bank account. She would rent a car and together they drove south to Atlanta. They would be married in a simple ceremony on Christmas Eve.